SCORP

The State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Planning (SCORP) document is developed to help decision-makers better understand recreation issues statewide and to maintain Washington’s eligibility for federal Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars.

Each year, nearly all Washington residents participate in outdoor recreation activities. Also each year, the state’s population grows, becoming larger, more urban, older, and more diverse, thereby creating more demand for outdoor recreation resources.

A variety of federal, state, tribal, and local governments, private companies, and nonprofit groups provide outdoor recreation facilities and opportunities. These providers must understand residents’ participation and work together to meet outdoor recreation needs.

During 2012–2013, researchers collected and analyzed data about participation, expectations, and needs. They combined that information with data about funding, supply of land and existing recreation facilities, and other key factors such as sustainability, access, and maintenance.